Alcaraz fights back to beat Sinner in 5-set French Open classic

Carlos Alcaraz staged a dramatic comeback from two sets down and saved three match points to defeat Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) on Sunday, successfully defending his French Open title for the second consecutive year.

The victory marked Alcaraz’s fifth Grand Slam title in as many finals and featured one of the most remarkable comebacks in the tournament’s history.

It was Sinner's first loss in a Grand Slam final—and the longest French Open final ever played. The defending champion appeared to be on the brink of defeat when world number one Sinner led 5-3 in the fourth set, but the 22-year-old Spaniard dug deep to turn the match around, triumphing in five hours and 29 minutes in what became a historic battle on the clay of Roland Garros.

In a charged atmosphere at Court Philippe Chatrier, Alcaraz delivered a career-defining performance to capture his fifth major title. During his victory speech, he praised Sinner, saying, “It is a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament and in making history.”

This was the first time Alcaraz had come back to win a match after dropping the first two sets. He also became the first man to win a Grand Slam after saving match points since Novak Djokovic defeated Roger Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon final.

Sinner, who was aiming for his first Roland Garros title and a third consecutive major, fell short after a punishing, high-quality contest. “It’s easier to play than to talk now,” said the 23-year-old, competing in just his second event since serving a three-month suspension for failing two doping tests. “I’m still happy with this trophy – I won’t sleep well tonight, but it’s OK.”

The highly anticipated showdown between the two dominant forces on the ATP Tour more than lived up to expectations. Both players pushed themselves to the edge, displaying elite shot-making, athleticism, and mental fortitude in a five-set classic.

With the crowd of 15,000 on their feet after nearly every point, the final tiebreak saw Alcaraz surge ahead, draining the last of Sinner’s energy before sealing the match with a blistering forehand winner down the line.

He collapsed to the ground in celebration before embracing Sinner at the net. Moments later, Alcaraz sprinted into the stands to celebrate with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, his team, and his family.

As both players received standing ovations and collected their trophies, the match cemented its place in tennis history as one of the all-time great Grand Slam finals.